Friday, December 7, 2012

It's been like forever since I last posted ... basically, because I felt like I didn't have anything else to say. The last time I wrote here, it was to give an update on my health situation. I was hoping that with a diagnosis and new treatment, I'd get back to my old self, and be able to write about how great life can be ... how we can all find the strength to get through the rough times, how there's always a silver lining, and how we can embrace change to become the buttahflies we're truly meant to be.

Unfortunately, I'm still struggling. Since my last post, the doc has added another diagnosis (fibromyalgia in addition to the autoimmune arthritis), and she says it'll probably develop into something else later. I'm up to 17 pills a day, one injection a week, and an infusion ever month ... and I'm still in pain every day. Still exhausted all the time, and still nauseous more often than not. I move in slow motion in the morning, and I'm lucky if I can move at all by the evening. I have to avoid the sun at all costs, and I have difficulty breathing in the cold. I've got to take extra precautions to avoid getting sick because my compromised immune system can't fight any infection. I can only have minimal alcohol and caffeine, and I can't even get any more piercings or tattoos to make myself feel better!

To put it simply, this sucks.

I've had my share of pity parties since this all started. I've screamed, I've cried, and I've sulked alone in my room. Like most people struggling with chronic illness have done at some point, I'vetried to figure out why. Why me? Why did I get stuck with this awful disease that (won't kill me but) has no cure, and will only get worse as time goes on? Well, I think I've finally figured it out.

Meet the Buttahfly

About Kerry

​I'm a glass-half-full kind of girl. More than that, really - I'm the girl who'll point out that if it's not full, you don't have to worry about spilling your drink every time you pick it up!

I am extremely fortunate to be married to my best friend - the boy next door I had a crush on since I was a child. Though we've been married nearly 17 years, people who meet us still think we’re newlyweds … and in a way, we still are! Through thick and thin, sickness and health, he has been my rock, my anchor, my greatest source of strength and support.

Over the past few years, I've been diagnosed with a number of chronic, autoimmune, and invisible illnesses (see What’s Wrong for the details). Still, I do the best I can to stay positive: this blog is my way of showing those with similar experiences that they are not alone. We may not be able to beat (cure) our diseases, but we can make sure they don’t break our spirits. At the same time, I’m hoping to educate our friends and family – those who want to be there for us, but don’t really understand the extent of our illnesses and how severely they affect us. With a little help, we can get through anything … together.

It's my mission to make a difference in people's lives, and I encourage everyone to do that in whatever way possible. A positive word, a helping hand, a donation (of time or money) to a worthy cause, even a simple but genuine smile can mean the world to someone ... and that someone could be you!

🎶We're Jinglin', Baby!

On December 9, I'll be jingling my bells at the Arthritis Foundation's Jingle Bell Run. Join us if you're in the area ... or support our efforts with a donation. Anything you can do would be greatly appreciated!

The Mighty

I've recently had a number of stories published on The Mighty, an online magazine of sorts for people with chronic illness. View my author page (and published pieces) here.

2017 WEGO Health Awards: Patient Leader Hero (Nominee)

“Sometimes the connections we make in online communities go above and beyond, truly changing our lives for the better.” This award recognizes those Patient Leaders “whose content has opened your eyes to seeing things differently … whose dedication has ignited the advocate within you to make a change … whose work has effected change for their community members. This Patient Leader's influence truly has the impact to make a difference. They're nothing short of a hero.” I am truly honored to be nominated.

I Did It!

Every day in April 2014, WEGO Health provided a prompt, and my posts here reflect my responses to those ideas, in terms of living with chronic illness(es). It was a great experience that inspired me to write more, enabled me to “meet” other bloggers and friends, and empowered us all to share our experiences in a unique and creative way.